And those that make you feel very comfortable, too!
I mean in the UK, or could possibly be outside it too.
I don't mean tourism exactly, just places where you felt uncomfortable or were eager to return home from. It doesn't have to be a bad area, it could easily be somewhere known to be beautiful and thriving.
For me it was Hebden Bridge, a sort of looming gloominess I couldn't shake off. I know people who live there so visit a few times per year, and that sensation never changes. It isn't easy to explain.
As much as I adore Shrewsbury (it has a cat cafe, so it's a winner!) I have felt a bit off there, too. A sense of manic energy, insanely loud traffic in the town centre, I found that I couldn't seem to rest, even in the suburbs.. A shame because I loved so much about it and it is a very friendly place with gorgeous buildings.
Liverpool didn't work for me either. I find the local people to be so helpful and lovely, but something about the Mersey and especially the docks made me feel unutterably depressed (yes, I know it's history, but it wasn't simply that).
Ambleside made me on edge also, and unlike the rest of the areas amongst the fells I felt drained there. It didn't help having single file sized pavements so everything felt slightly dangerous and overwhelmed.
Now for my favourites:
I do love Ludlow though, I felt so calm and at peace there. The light was mellow and soft. There wasn't all that much to do, apart from the good grub and castle, but I could live in an attic there and paint all day forever. If only..
I also loved Edale in the Peak District. A very tiny village with one shop if I recall and a great pub called the Nag's Head. I used to feel as if my heart was being torn out when I had to go home. I felt as if the landscape there had it's arms around me, softly.
I was happy in Penrith, although this was 10 yrs ago so it may have changed somewhat since. I hadn't wanted to go as it looked miserable and grey but I felt so at home there.
I also adore just throwing myself into the heart of London. I always come alive there. Not sure I'd move in, even if I could afford it (!) but yeh.
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Places that make you feel uncomfortable.
SingingKettles · 18/03/2024 13:43
DancingFerret · 18/03/2024 14:17
I agree about Hebden Bridge; not sure why, perhaps it's just too "alternative" for me. Some say it's the Totnes of the north.
BigMandsTattooPortfolio · 18/03/2024 15:23
Wisbech in Cambridgeshire. It felt like a flat version of Royston Vasey. A bit bleak, like the Fens are.
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